Ididaroad at Anchorage and along Turnagain Arm
Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 8:09 pmNot being fond of large cities, we didn’t spend a lot of time in Anchorage, but sought out the scenic portions. We took a walk on parts of the scenic trail that follows the coast on the western side of the city.
Looking over at the water/mud flats of Knik Arm.
We read about the Beluga Whales.
And looked at a skeleton of one, but have yet to spot one out there where they supposedly hang out in groups of 20 to 30.
There was a big bicycle race going on at this park while we were here. Supposedly several moose hang out in the park too, but they were hiding.
These mud flats are very dangerous. They are made up of glacial silt rather than mud, and if you walk out on them, they act like quicksand. Several rescues a year are necessary because people don’t pay attention to the signs.
Another reason the mud flats are dangerous is because of the bore tides that come in so fast, and the water rises dramatically in a short period of time. We read about a woman who drowned because she was stuck in the mud flat and the tide came in before rescuers could reach her.
Later, we were lucky enough to see a bore tide and will show you pictures.
Along Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage we watched firefighters practicing rescues.
They practiced raising a litter up the side of this cliff.
View from Beluga Point. People were here with lawn chairs and picnics waiting for the bore tide or a chance to see the whales. We saw neither while we were here, but we weren’t sure what we were looking for then.
Mountain sheep along Turnagain Arm.
She had a baby.
We met up with Beth again and we all went to Crow Creek Mine to tour and camp.
View from the campground was obscured by yet another fire, this time on the Kenai Peninsula.
Sign at the entrance.
Mine was closed so we waited until morning to tour the old buildings.
In the evening Beth and I hiked part of the Iditarod Trail that goes through the area.
Roe and Maggie took turns being lead dogs.
The trail led down to a hand tram used to cross a deep gorge. I don’t know if the Iditarod racers have to cross using this method or not…hmmm
The tram was on the other side of the gorge when we got there…and of course we had to try it…
…so Beth got right to work pulling it across. (I helped a little after my photographic duties were over)
I got in first and went out a little way for this picture.
Then you know who was going to do the same, but just lost control of herself and kept going…
And going…
Peaches wondered if she was ever coming back.
Our tour of the family owned mining camp was very interesting. We read about a lot of lost souls…er, soles.
This was Grandpa’s cabin. We learned that Grandpa’s remains are still here…
And spread among the flower beds. No wonder they’re so purty.
Looking over at the water/mud flats of Knik Arm.
We read about the Beluga Whales.
And looked at a skeleton of one, but have yet to spot one out there where they supposedly hang out in groups of 20 to 30.
There was a big bicycle race going on at this park while we were here. Supposedly several moose hang out in the park too, but they were hiding.
These mud flats are very dangerous. They are made up of glacial silt rather than mud, and if you walk out on them, they act like quicksand. Several rescues a year are necessary because people don’t pay attention to the signs.
Another reason the mud flats are dangerous is because of the bore tides that come in so fast, and the water rises dramatically in a short period of time. We read about a woman who drowned because she was stuck in the mud flat and the tide came in before rescuers could reach her.
Later, we were lucky enough to see a bore tide and will show you pictures.
Along Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage we watched firefighters practicing rescues.
They practiced raising a litter up the side of this cliff.
View from Beluga Point. People were here with lawn chairs and picnics waiting for the bore tide or a chance to see the whales. We saw neither while we were here, but we weren’t sure what we were looking for then.
Mountain sheep along Turnagain Arm.
She had a baby.
We met up with Beth again and we all went to Crow Creek Mine to tour and camp.
View from the campground was obscured by yet another fire, this time on the Kenai Peninsula.
Sign at the entrance.
Mine was closed so we waited until morning to tour the old buildings.
In the evening Beth and I hiked part of the Iditarod Trail that goes through the area.
Roe and Maggie took turns being lead dogs.
The trail led down to a hand tram used to cross a deep gorge. I don’t know if the Iditarod racers have to cross using this method or not…hmmm
The tram was on the other side of the gorge when we got there…and of course we had to try it…
…so Beth got right to work pulling it across. (I helped a little after my photographic duties were over)
I got in first and went out a little way for this picture.
Then you know who was going to do the same, but just lost control of herself and kept going…
And going…
Peaches wondered if she was ever coming back.
Our tour of the family owned mining camp was very interesting. We read about a lot of lost souls…er, soles.
This was Grandpa’s cabin. We learned that Grandpa’s remains are still here…
And spread among the flower beds. No wonder they’re so purty.
Better her than me....don't like high places.... 
Ditto on the repeating myself....great stuff, Liz....